Placemaking Study and Pilot Project 2023 - 2024

Placemaking projects are collaborative and citizen-led initiatives that create welcoming and authentic spaces, support community connections, and help drive local economic development in our core areas.  Public spaces, art installations, community gardens and the lighting of public assets are all examples of placemaking and experiential projects that are important for marking our core areas destinations within our community.

In February 2023, Cambridge Council approved a Placemaking Study and Pilot Project with a budget of $150,000 to be used in retaining a consultant to work with an approved Placemaking Working Group (PWG) to study areas in Cambridge for potential placemaking projects.  The culmination of this Study will see a Pilot Project located within Downtown Cambridge on City property with a proposed completion date of Summer 2024.  

Placemaking Working Group (PWG)

Composed of a member of Council, Staff, and members of the public, the purpose of the Placemaking Working Group (PWG) is to provide input and assist with the Placemaking Study and Pilot Project that will be initiated by the City of Cambridge.  The PWG will collaborate with a consultant to complete a study to identify areas of City Property that are available and appropriate to develop placemaking projects. 

View the Terms of Reference of the Placemaking Working Group

Strategic Policies - Placemaking

The Placemaking Study will act as a catalyst for further strategic policy creation and direction with regard to placemaking as a whole with the eventual goal for permanent Placemaking Project(s) that will be located in Cambridge’s three (3) Core Areas and across the City as a whole.

Timeline

  • February 28th, 2023 - Cambridge Council approves the Placemaking Study and Pilot Project with a total funding of $150,000.  In addition, Council approves the formation of a Placemaking Working Group (PWG) which will assist the future consultant in the process. (complete)
  • July 11th, 2023 - First meeting of the Placemaking Working Group (PWG). (complete)
  • August 21st, 2023
    • The Request for Quotations (RFQ) for the Placemaking Study and Pilot Project is now live.  Procurement has set a closing date of September 28, 2023 for all submissions.
  • September 28th, 2023
    • The RFQ for the Placemaking Study and Pilot Project has been closed as of 4:30 PM September 28,2023. We would like to thank all those that have participated.
  • December,  2023 - RFQ awarded for the Placemaking Study and Pilot Project to The Planning Partnership.
  • Fall of 2024 - Creation of Pilot Project in Downtown Cambridge, as determined by the Placemaking Study and approval of Cambridge Council. (pending)

Meeting Agendas 

Meeting Minutes